Weather and climate data for resilience
A new way of financing surface-based observations
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ABOUT THE SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATIONS FINANCING FACILITY
The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a financing mechanism that supports countries to close the basic weather and climate observations data gap.
SOFF works with countries with the most severe shortfalls in observations, prioritising the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. By providing long-term financial and technical assistance, SOFF contributes towards a global public good.
SOFF aims to support and accelerate the sustained collection and international exchange of the most essential surface-based weather and climate observations in compliance with the internationally agreed Global Observing Basic Network.
SOFF MISSION STATEMENT
In order to save lives and livelihoods as well as protect property across the whole globe, we must improve the availability of weather and climate observations from the most data sparse areas. These are vital for weather forecasts, early warning systems and climate information services.
The lack of such observations limits countries' capacity to adapt to climate change and build resilience.
Numerous global agreements recognize that successful action on climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience and poverty reduction depends on high-quality weather and climate services, and on the capacity to make informed decisions and take appropriate steps in light of that information.
SOFF funding is a foundational investment that underpins the effectiveness and sustainability of the investments of other development and climate funds in full complementarity.
SOFF UN MULTI-PARTNER TRUST FUND
SOFF is a United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund (UNMPTF) created by World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) in 2021.
EARLY WARNINGS FOR ALL
Warnings are only as good as the data they are built upon.
SOFF is a foundational element and delivery mechanism of the UN Secretary General’s Early Warning for All Initiative launched in 2022. The Initiative calls for the whole world to be covered by an early warning system by the end of 2027.
THE GLOBAL BASIC
OBSERVING NETWORK
(GBON)
CLOSING DATA GAPS IN THE GLOBAL BASIC OBSERVING NETWORK
The current gaps in global surface-based data significantly impact the quality of weather and climate services locally, regionally, and globally.
In 2021, 193 members of the World Meteorological Organization agreed to a set of global standards, the landmark agreement Global Basic Observing Network (GBON).
SOFF was created to support the implementation of the GBON requirements by providing long-term financial and technical assistance to support the generation and international sharing of basic weather and climate observations.
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SOFF FUNDERS
Together, SOFF’s funders are committed to systematically and speedily closing the climate and weather data gaps, and working to provide a global public good. SOFF is very grateful for the pledges to date. All funders of the SOFF UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund (UNMPTF) are decision-making members of the SOFF Steering Committee.
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Austria
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
Finland
Netherlands
Nordic Development Fund
Norway
Ireland
Iceland
Spain
USA
SOFF UN Fund
Readiness funding approved
HOW SOFF OPERATES
SOFF systematically addresses the persistent problems that cause missing observations by providing support through the combination of four key features:
Global approach for sustained high-quality international data exchange as a measure of success
Innovative, long-term finance for sustainable progress towards Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) compliance
Technical competencies enhanced through peer-to-peer advisory support
Leverage partners‘ resources for complementary and coordinated support across the meteorological value chain
Support to countries is provided in three phases: Readiness, Investment and Compliance. This is implemented through a close collaboration between our partners. They include countries, Implementing Entities - consisting of Multilateral Development Banks and UN organizations - as well as advanced national meteorological services, acting as SOFF peer advisors.
DOCUMENT LIBRARY
SOFF Terms of Reference
SOFF Operational Manual
SOFF Consolidated Financial Report 2023
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